Observations: The Five Best Scents of the Week

I love lists. It think this has to do with my lack of love for creative writing. Lists write themselves, which is really what I want. This first list is the five best scents of the week. I could do this all spring and early summer, as the West Coast really does smell amazing when it’s not raining.

1) Joss sticks and plum blossoms at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Burnaby

Many of North Burnaby’s Asian and Greek Orthodox residents visit the graves of their ancestors and loved ones on Sunday. They burn joss stick, paper offerings, and leave flowers. The lerge cemetery, where my grandparents rest, is full of willows and blossoming plum trees.

2) Hot, dying daffodils on my table

No really- the heat and the slight decay make them smell almost edible, like something I would want to bake into a cake.

3) Bee Balm (bergamot mint)  new growth at my garden

Bee balm is  one of my favorite herbs to crush between my fingers. It smells so beautiful and bright. The new grow is especially pungent. This year’s shoots are coming up rosy and violet right now, and will turn green in a month.

4) Scented violets in our lawn

Most of the violets in our lawn are unscented, but over near the old water access point I found a patch of scented ones. They are like little purple candies hidden in the grass. I fear they are not long for this world, as our landlord loves to mow.

5) Giant magnolia Petals all over the sidewalk on upper Victoria drive

Otherworldly large and delicately scented petals coat sections of sidewalks all through Southeast Vancouver